Flying Cockroaches: How to Identify & Get Rid of Them

Do Cockroaches Have Wings?

About 55 types of cockroaches live in the U.S. and many of them have wings that are used for flight, while others rarely use their wings. Several species are capable of flight for short distances, while others use their wings to simply glide, rather than flap their wings to fly.

Common Flying Cockroach Species

Cockroaches such as Asian, brown, smokybrown and wood roaches are very capable fliers, but others, such as American cockroaches are a species that commonly uses its wings to glide.

Australian cockroaches are present primarily in the Gulf Coast area and are adept flyers.

Asian cockroaches, which can be found in warm areas such as Florida, and closely resemble the German cockroach, are capable of flight.

The bright green Cuban cockroaches fly as well.

Cockroaches That Do Not Fly

German cockroaches and Oriental cockroaches, do not fly at all.

Cockroaches Flying in Homes

Cockroaches that are capable fliers are often attracted to interior lights and are able to fly inside. However, because these pests are nocturnal, infestations often go unnoticed at first. This means that many people aren't aware that cockroaches can fly until the insects become so numerous that they appear during the day. Warning signs of a cockroach issue include a musty smell, waste, and cast shells.

Flying Cockroach Problems

Cockroaches in the house can present a variety of challenges for residents. Flight allows the pests to fly or glide indoors, spread throughout homes, and hide in hard-to-reach areas.

No Countertop Too Tall

They are not equipped for sustained flight, but some cockroaches do fly at times to reach food. Places like kitchen counters and pantries are within the pests' range, presenting the risk of contamination. Homeowners who ingest bacteria spread by cockroaches may suffer from dysentery or food poisoning.

No Window Too High

At times, cockroaches fly into homes through windows or open doors. Their small, flat bodies allow them to creep inside through cracks in windowsills, frames, and siding. The pests may also fly or crawl into gaps under appliances or behind cabinets, making them difficult to control.

How Did I Get Flying Cockroaches?

Flying cockroaches are attracted to lghts and like to infest homes, fluttering inside through open doors, windows, and torn screens. These pests can also hide inside boxes or bags as well as crawl through pipes or structural faults. Many species of cockroaches that fly do not live for long periods of time indoors.

Heat and moisture are like magnets for flying cockroaches. The pests gather near heaters, in heating ducts, and around leaky air conditioning units. They also congregate underneath sinks and around bathtubs.

How Serious Are Flying Cockroaches?

When flying cockroaches infest homes, they can go unnoticed for long periods of time. These nocturnal pests hide during the day, feeding on decaying organic matter and food crumbs when no one is looking. Allergens from cockroach droppings or shed skins may disturb allergies and trigger asthma.

Adults can live for over a year, contaminating pantry goods the entire time. Viruses, fungi, and bacteria transfer from flying cockroaches to foods like rice, bread, and peanuts. Infestations put residents at risk for several forms of gastroenteritis, including dysentery and food poisoning.

How Do I Get Rid of Flying Roaches?

To avoid problems with these unsanitary pests or deal with an infestation, contact Orkin pest experts at the first sign of trouble.